Rabbi Jeremy Gimbel, MAJE
RABBI, EDUCATOR, SONG LEADER, SONG WRITER, VIDEOGRAPHER, PHOTOGRAPHER
Jeremy Gimbel is the Associate Rabbi at Congregation Beth Israel in San Diego, serving with Rabbi Jason Nevarez & Rabbi/Cantor Arlene Bernstein. In 2017, he was ordained at the Los Angeles campus of Hebrew Union College-Jewish Institute of Religion. During his time in rabbinical school, he served as the Student Rabbi & Music Director at Congregation Kol Ami in West Hollywood, serving under Rabbi Denise Eger. He grew up in the Reform Jewish world, attending URJ Camp Newman/Swig and URJ Kutz Camp, and serving as the Religious and Cultural VP on the North American NFTY Board. He edited Birkon Mikdash M'at - NFTY's Bencher, the Bencher used by the Reform Movement. Jeremy is also a song leader, serving as Head Song Leader at URJ Camp Newman/Swig ('06-08) and working with dozens of communities throughout California over the last decade. Jeremy graduated from UC Davis with a major in Political Science and a minor in Religious Studies in 2008 and was the Youth Director at Congregation Beth Israel from 2008 until his admission to HUC-JIR in 2011. During his time at HUC-JIR, Jeremy wrote, produced, and directed "The Book of Purim" (A parody of "The Book of Mormon), served at Birkat Shalom on Kibbutz Gezer in Israel, served as the Student Rabbi at Temple Beth Israel in Redding, CA, and an Education Intern for the Bureau of Jewish Education of Orange County. While working towards a Masters in Jewish Education with a Masters Concentration in Israel Education, he directed, produced, and edited "Hatikvah," a documentary which explores the nuances of our shared anthem. He also lead Tiny T'filah with Rabbi Joel Simonds at University Synagogue in Brentwood, CA. Jeremy is married to Sarah Gimbel, PhD. and is the proud father of Ari Caleb and Maya Esther.
Jeremy has released 3 studio albums of original Jewish music: "A Blessing in Disguise...", "Let it Happen," and the latest, "Neshama Yetera - Additional Soul." Jeremy has been recognized for his parody pieces ("S8er Boi" and "Shabbos Back") as well has his liturgical gems which have become standards in NFTY, URJ Camps, and synagogues: "Hinei Mah Tov / Everyday," "Shalom Aleichem," and "Eitz Chayim Hi." At the Rock and Soul Brunch on January 26, 2014 at Congregation Kol Ami in West Hollywood, Jeremy released a Deluxe Edition of "Neshama Yetera - Additional Soul," which contains the EP along with some of his biggest hits and unreleased tracks.